Xenophobic attacks in Lusaka

LUSAKA - Attacks on foreign owned shops in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, have spread to other parts of the city with more shops attacked, local media reported late on Monday.

The attacks started in the morning in two sprawling shanty compounds over rumours that foreigners were behind a spate of suspected ritual killings that have occurred in recent weeks.

Four shops were initially looted in the two shanty compounds before the police moved in and took control of the situation.

The attacks have spread to other shanty compounds in the city, forcing other Rwandan traders in the city to close their shops, according to several local online media.

Pictures posted on social media showed residents with goods looted from the shops while police in riot gear patrolled the areas.

Zambia Police Spokesperson Charity Munganga Chanda confirmed the looting of the shops.

The shops belonging to foreigners of Rwandan origin were looted by residents after owners were accused of being behind ritual killings that have rocked the city.

Suspected ritual killings have rocked the Zambian capital in recent weeks with seven people killed so far.

The victims were found with their ears, genitals and hearts removed.

On Sunday, Zambian President Edgar Lungu revealed that four people had been arrested in connection with the brutal ritual killings.

Lungu said the four suspects were found with suspected body parts which the police had sent for forensic investigations.